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Your Math IA is a great way to show mastery of course concepts and the application of skills learned throughout your duration of study. In addition to having a good theoretical background, you also need to ensure that you are formatting your IA in the best way possible, and Clastify is here to help you do exactly that!
In this post, we will break down the main elements to include when writing your Math IA, based on our experience with IB and a large number of successful candidates. Keep in mind that the structure below is just a suggestion, and there have been many high-scoring IAs who may have followed a different structure! The guide below can be used for both Math AA and AI, so feel free to use this no matter which IB math course you are taking.
Math IA Format and Structure
Cover page
Title – This should clearly state the main topic or idea being investigated, and should show the reader the focus of the IA.
Course and level – Include which type of math course you are in (AA or AI) as well as the level you are taking the course at (SL or HL).
Candidate number – Write your specific IB candidate number. This helps the examiner and the IB correctly assign your IA grade to your profile.
Session – State the session for which you are submitting the IA (e.g. May 2026).
Page count – State the page count of the IA. Note that all math IAs must be between 12-20 pages.
A good example can be found here.
Table of contents
Include a table of contents to help guide the reader through your Math IA. The table of contents should contain each section and subsection of your IA, along with the relevant page numbers of where each section/subsection begins.
A good example can be seen here.
Introduction
Rationale – Your introduction should include a rationale for the topic. Give context as to why you chose this topic and what makes it significant to investigate.
Objectives and aim – Explicitly state the aim of the IA and explain the main objectives you hope to achieve through this investigation.
Background information – Clearly define and explain any mathematical theory or concepts that can help the reader understand the context behind your IA. Provide a brief introduction to these concepts and describe why they are the most suitable to use for your investigation.
Assumptions – If you are using any mathematical models, include any assumptions made when using the chosen model. Explain what limitations these assumptions could bring?
Link the theory to your research question – Provide a short explanation of the main object being studied and include why it can be assessed by this method (eg, why are functions appropriate to use when graphing the shape of an image?).
A good example of a strong introduction can be found here and here.
Main body
This section of your IA should be the most detailed and take up the majority of pages. This is also the section where you can gain the most marks. The main body of your essay should focus on applying the theory from the background information section to your research question.
Detailed explanation of all steps – Include a step-by-step, in-depth analysis of the main mathematical concept and how it was used to analyze the object or topic of interest (eg, how were functions effectively used to plot a sketch of an image?) Do not simply state results; show all the equations used, as well as how these equations were derived (if applicable).
Graphs and diagrams – Include all graphs produced in the analysis, and explain the information contained within the graphs. What graphical trends can be observed?
Calculations and data tables – Provide sample calculations for all equations used and put the rest of the data in data tables if necessary.
Logical flow – Ensure your ideas and calculations have a smooth flow between them. Do not skip steps in calculations; make sure you show all your work, as this allows the examiner to understand your thought process. It also allows for partial marks in case your final answer is wrong.
A good example of a well-structured body can be found here and here.
Conclusion + Evaluation
Re-state the aim – This will refresh the reader's memory and allow them to determine if the purpose of your investigation was achieved. You should also provide a statement about the extent to which the research topic has been analyzed - were you able to fully analyze the topic, or were there some limitations that could be addressed in a future study?
Explain the main findings – Provide a brief overview of the results you gained from the main analysis. Explain the significance of your results in answering your research question. You should make sure to highlight the strengths of your investigation.
Limitations, improvements and extensions – Discuss the limitations of the investigation and suggest ways to improve it if it were to be conducted again in the future. Where applicable, state some extensions to the investigation as well.
References
State all external sources – List all the websites, books, journal articles, etc. that you referenced when completing your IA. Make sure all the sources are formatted in a consistent referencing style (e.g. MLA, APA, Harvard).
A good example can be found here.
We hope this guide helps you in properly formatting and structuring your Math IA. If you want to read some exemplary IAs before you start writing, we've got you covered too! Simply head to the Clastify website, where you will be able to find numerous Math AA and Math AI ideas and examples, so you can look for the ones that are the most relevant to your topic. Good luck!
Your Math IA is a great way to show mastery of course concepts and the application of skills learned throughout your duration of study. In addition to having a good theoretical background, you also need to ensure that you are formatting your IA in the best way possible, and Clastify is here to help you do exactly that!
In this post, we will break down the main elements to include when writing your Math IA, based on our experience with IB and a large number of successful candidates. Keep in mind that the structure below is just a suggestion, and there have been many high-scoring IAs who may have followed a different structure! The guide below can be used for both Math AA and AI, so feel free to use this no matter which IB math course you are taking.
Math IA Format and Structure
Cover page
Title – This should clearly state the main topic or idea being investigated, and should show the reader the focus of the IA.
Course and level – Include which type of math course you are in (AA or AI) as well as the level you are taking the course at (SL or HL).
Candidate number – Write your specific IB candidate number. This helps the examiner and the IB correctly assign your IA grade to your profile.
Session – State the session for which you are submitting the IA (e.g. May 2026).
Page count – State the page count of the IA. Note that all math IAs must be between 12-20 pages.
A good example can be found here.
Table of contents
Include a table of contents to help guide the reader through your Math IA. The table of contents should contain each section and subsection of your IA, along with the relevant page numbers of where each section/subsection begins.
A good example can be seen here.
Introduction
Rationale – Your introduction should include a rationale for the topic. Give context as to why you chose this topic and what makes it significant to investigate.
Objectives and aim – Explicitly state the aim of the IA and explain the main objectives you hope to achieve through this investigation.
Background information – Clearly define and explain any mathematical theory or concepts that can help the reader understand the context behind your IA. Provide a brief introduction to these concepts and describe why they are the most suitable to use for your investigation.
Assumptions – If you are using any mathematical models, include any assumptions made when using the chosen model. Explain what limitations these assumptions could bring?
Link the theory to your research question – Provide a short explanation of the main object being studied and include why it can be assessed by this method (eg, why are functions appropriate to use when graphing the shape of an image?).
A good example of a strong introduction can be found here and here.
Main body
This section of your IA should be the most detailed and take up the majority of pages. This is also the section where you can gain the most marks. The main body of your essay should focus on applying the theory from the background information section to your research question.
Detailed explanation of all steps – Include a step-by-step, in-depth analysis of the main mathematical concept and how it was used to analyze the object or topic of interest (eg, how were functions effectively used to plot a sketch of an image?) Do not simply state results; show all the equations used, as well as how these equations were derived (if applicable).
Graphs and diagrams – Include all graphs produced in the analysis, and explain the information contained within the graphs. What graphical trends can be observed?
Calculations and data tables – Provide sample calculations for all equations used and put the rest of the data in data tables if necessary.
Logical flow – Ensure your ideas and calculations have a smooth flow between them. Do not skip steps in calculations; make sure you show all your work, as this allows the examiner to understand your thought process. It also allows for partial marks in case your final answer is wrong.
A good example of a well-structured body can be found here and here.
Conclusion + Evaluation
Re-state the aim – This will refresh the reader's memory and allow them to determine if the purpose of your investigation was achieved. You should also provide a statement about the extent to which the research topic has been analyzed - were you able to fully analyze the topic, or were there some limitations that could be addressed in a future study?
Explain the main findings – Provide a brief overview of the results you gained from the main analysis. Explain the significance of your results in answering your research question. You should make sure to highlight the strengths of your investigation.
Limitations, improvements and extensions – Discuss the limitations of the investigation and suggest ways to improve it if it were to be conducted again in the future. Where applicable, state some extensions to the investigation as well.
References
State all external sources – List all the websites, books, journal articles, etc. that you referenced when completing your IA. Make sure all the sources are formatted in a consistent referencing style (e.g. MLA, APA, Harvard).
A good example can be found here.
We hope this guide helps you in properly formatting and structuring your Math IA. If you want to read some exemplary IAs before you start writing, we've got you covered too! Simply head to the Clastify website, where you will be able to find numerous Math AA and Math AI ideas and examples, so you can look for the ones that are the most relevant to your topic. Good luck!
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